College courses in general biology, algebra, and physics or chemistry.

Description:

Examines health issues, scientific understanding of causes, and possible future approaches to control of the major environmental health problems in industrialized and developing countries. Topics include how the body reacts to environmental pollutants; physical, chemical, and biological agents of environmental contamination; vectors for dissemination (air, water, soil); solid and hazardous waste; susceptible populations; biomarkers and risk analysis; the scientific basis for policy decisions; and emerging global environmental health problems.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the major environmental agents (i.e. environmental chemical, biological, and physical agents that cause adverse effects on human health) and their sources

Discuss the transport and fate of these agents in the environment, and identify the carriers or vectors (air, water, soil, and food) that promote the transfer of these agents from the environment to the human

Describe the toxicokinetics of these agents in the body, including the effect of route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, absorption)

Describe the toxicodynamics of these agents, including biotransformation and the mechanisms by which they exert adverse health effects, and the use of models for prediction of the magnitude of adverse effects

Identify and define the steps in the risk assessment process, including both exposure and dose-response assessment, and the sources and magnitude of uncertainty

Identify techniques for improving risk assessment and risk management strategies, including consideration of: (1) factors in the physical environment, (2) factors in the social environment, (3) community-based participation in both the assessment/management process and in basic environmental/public health research, and (4) issues of environmental justice/equity

Methods of Assessment:

Student evaluation will be based on 3 exams (equally weighted), which will include content from the online lectures that should be reviewed prior to the start of the face-to-face portion of the class.

Instructor Consent:

No consent required

Special Comments:

This course is a modified blended course. Students are expected to prepare, listen, and read materials PRIOR to the class meetings. It is critical that students participate in the online lectures and readings in order to be prepared for the class meetings.